Birthdays Series -2

Photo Courtesy : Deepti

Every day we must fight against our own darkness, our own sluggishness our own ignorance and our own ego. It is a powerful tool allowing one to succeed as well as one that damages one to a certain extent. The body by nature is matter and it goes through all the struggles till the energy within finally cut its connection to the earth at the end of their evolution allowing them to escape this crushing weight and darkness. But as long as human beings are on earth, they must accept that something within them will always be under the influence of matter. Understanding this limitation in itself allowed people to celebrate the moments and occasions that allowed to relieve themselves of the pressure even though it may be on psychological belief system that appeases the ego to some extent.

Other than religious moments Marriage was the grand event that was celebrated followed by a birth of a child at family levels. The third level of celebration emerged from celebration of the winning from battles or war. It was later on period of time celebration of birthday’s emerged. The ways of celebration of the birthday also emerged depending upon the culture, country, society, ethics, funds and the power.

Since most of the ancient civilisation have there roots in religious norms. The core of any celebration had its intrinsic roots to religion and every religion and every society believed that food and water were divine blessing from Divine for it gave the life nourishment to everyone. It was considered as Divine. This respect for food and water was given even during war and battle. It was during later phases of war and battle that food grains were destroyed to make enemies surrender.

Cakes, were considered luxury and it was normally in times of celebration puddings and cakes were served. An old tradition was there were on days of celebrations roasted flour/ wheat/ rice was spread in the gardens or farms as a thanks giving to the nature for providing food, such roasted flour was eaten by insects, birds which is even now followed. In some places during the wedding the the groom would chew off a big piece from the barley bread loaf, what was left of the loaf would be held high above the bride and crushed allowing the crumbs and powder to fall over the bride’s, showing the way has changed for the bride now. Cakes were cut and small portions were fed to parents, loved one’s , children, showing oneness, love and prosperity in family. In few places of USA the concept began of smearing cake on people’s faces but then it is truly a vulgar practice. Many of the places falling of the cakes or puddings on the floor was considered inauspicious for  it was insult to the food.

In India particularly food is never considered things to be wasted for it is a divine and it is a gift from nature. But in India a recent trend has began of smearing the face with cake which has no relevance whatever except that it is purely vulgar and downright insulting a person. The way the beautiful delicious cake is destroyed on another persons face is considered joyful, funny and people take initiative to have the facial done is the most revolting thing one can imagine. Considering the fact that half the world sleeps without food, such a luxury is destroyed for petty fun moments.

It may never look funny when it is done to Grand parents, Parents, Elders, Teachers, Masters, Guru, sisters or brothers or children, it is insulting for they look for enjoyment and dress up so beautifully on the day for the moment and whole thing becomes caked on their face, even the quick wash doesn’t clears the smell of cream and eggs from your face,hands, neck and most important your hair. It is a funny gag for many young people but in reality it is a pure insult for the one pulling the gag in reality never liked the person’s face so the face is covered with cake to make it bearable to look at. Think again for the practical dirty joke has no relevance, there can be many ways of enjoying the moment making it memorable without causing discomfort or embarrassment to anyone.

~ Maitreya Rudrabhayananda

Birthday Series – 1

Soul Searchers intends to raise the consciousness of people and to help create a turning point on this planet—a world where people are in tune with their inner-selves, living healthy and creative lives and are no longer swayed by religious dogma or politics.  The purpose is to bring the state of righteousness (dharma) back again in current state of political turmoil and selfishly motivated people.  We believe the truth can be known and realised through guided and workable ways. Thousands have benefited from the process of initiation and share them with your friends and family and together we’ll touch and transform lives. 

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